Improvement in breech-loading fire-arms



N A m L I T S J Breech-Loading Fire-Arm.

Patented Oct. 17, 1865 UNITED STATES I PATENT OFFICE,

JAMES STILLMAN, OF SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.

IMPROVEMENT IN BREECH-LOAIEJING FIRE-ARMS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No- 50,507, dated October 17, 1865.

To all whom it may concern Be it known-that I, JAMES STILLMAN, of Springfield, Hampden county, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, have invented certain Improvements in Fire-Arms; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full description thereof, reference being had to the accompanyin g drawings, and to letters of reference. marked thereon.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side view, and Fig. 4 a longitudinal section, and Figs. 2 and 3 cross-sections.

Myinvention belongs tothatclassoffire-arms known as single breech-loaders, in which the metallic cartridge is used, and in which some arrangement is necessary to alternately expose and close up the rear end of the bore of the gun for the insertion of the cartridge and removal of the shell. The parts which I use to accomplish this are contained within the part A, which is of iron or other suitable material, and the stock of the gun is attached to it at B and G, and the barrel at D. These parts consist of the recoil-block E, swinging on the pin F, and the piece G, which acts as a fastener to E. When this is up against the bore of the gun, in the manner hereinafter described, the springs e and 9 act respectively on the two parts E and G.

This invention will be best understood by explaining its operation, which is as follows:

We will suppose the gun fired and the cartridge-shell remaining within the bore. It is wished to remove the shell and allow another cartridge to be inserted. In order to turn down the recoil-block E it is necessary to turn G on its axis. This is done by placing the thumb on G at a and forcing it backward. As it turns it acts on the hammer of the gun, haltcocking it. As itis turned farther the part b is brought out from under E, and E is forced back by the spring 0, thus exposing the bore of the gun. At the same time the pin 1 in E strikes the rim of the cartrid ge-shell and forces it outward as E turns. A cartridge is then inserted and block E turned up. When this comes up to the barrel at m the piece 6 flies into the recess nformed in E to receive it, and the gun being full-cocked is ready to fire.

It will .be seen that by this arrangement I obtain anentirely simple gun, and consequently one not liable to get out of order and cheaply built, while at the same time it is perfectly sure in its action and very strong.

When the gun is fired the recoil is taken up by the block E. This block is secured somewhat by the pin F, but mostly by the piece Gr. This turns at the rear end, not on a pin, but the post 0 which is formed circular and turns in the recess 0 made in it to receive it, so that most of the strain in firing is borne at this place. The studs 8 s project into E and hold it in place. In this way no dependence is placed on pins, but the strain comes 011 a solid part of the gun.

It will also be seen that this gun cannot be fired without the parts are in the right order for firing, with the recoil-block E up against the end of the barrel, forif such is not the case the hammer is stopped by striking against G at t; and also by providing the hammer L with the projection o, I prevent it from striking the pin w with too great force, for it is stopped by this projection striking the side of the gun.

I am aware that the recoil-block, swinging up against the end of the bore of the barrel and fastened there by the hammer or some part of the lock, have been used, and I disclaim all such arrangements; but

What I do claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. The combination of a solid recoil-block, E, which turns back, exposing the rear end of the bore for the insertion of the cartridge, with a separate locking piece or brace, Gr, having its bearing 0 constructed as described, and swinging on a separate center from any other part of the gun, these parts being combined with and operated by the springs g and e and thumb-pieces a and W, in the manner and for the purpose herein set forth.

2. Arranging the brace G so as to half-cock the gun by means of its thumb-piece, and with the same motion which allows the breech-piece E to swing back and expose the rear end of the bore, substantially as described.

JAMES STILLMAN.

Witnesses:

, J. B. GARDINER,

. W. HINMAN. 

